Suitcase Saver in Guisborough: Sky's the limit for inventor Karen

Karen Duncan of The Suitcase Saver in Guisborough, which is a Redcar Enterprise Team start-up

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The Suitcase Saver in Guisborough - a Redcar Enterprise Team start-up - was launched last year by managing director Karen Duncan.

The business has now been signed up to supply luggage bags to a retailer who has 12 outlets in airports across the UK.

And Karen is waiting to learn whether The Suitcase Saver has been successful in winning two overseas supply contracts - one in Spain and one in Belgium.

With a few more contracts in the order book Karen says she may be able to follow her dream and create jobs for the local community.

She said: “I’d love to resurrect the manufacturing skills that were lost with the closure of the Burtons’ clothing factory in the town.

“I’d love nothing more than to grow the company, open a factory in Guisborough and have the covers manufactured by the people who were employed at Burtons - many of them women, resurrecting a manufacturing trade before it’s too late.”

The Suitcase Saver began life last year with the production of 750 luggage covers which were demonstrated at the Ideal Homes Exhibition in Glasgow and Earls Court in London.

The luggage covers are made from lightweight waterproof material with elastic on the bottom to fit two or four-wheeled cases and a drawstring top with a specially-designed and patented lockable toggle which allows airport security staff to check and resecure luggage. The bags can be customised with logos or advertising - an area where Karen sees potential growth.